Two Acres

Thank you Ian, I will check to see if this is someone thats suitably qualified. As you say you'd like to think that it is. Even so its ony one opinion. My view is that, whatever the subject, acting on one opinion alone is unwise. In my opinion if two or three qualified specialists agree that the tree needs felling then of course I would accept that.

Thanks for your input Treequip, As I've said before I'm not in the industry, just a woodland owner, thats why I value the views of Arbtalkers. Do you not think its worth asking for a second opinion or do you feel that report is conclusive?

No I'm not Ian, but neither is the author of the report. Its from a 'tree surgeon'. My view is that it could be worthwhile to ask for a second opinion?

Thank you for that again Mrs Eggs - I will ask the clerk for the legal position

I'd disagree - looks in good health to me.

No, no notices

Thank you for your kind offer Logrod - I will keep it in mind

Really If theres no problem with the roots then I can't possibly see what good reason the neighbour may have to ask for it to be felled?

Hello Mrs Eggs, Thanks for this. So am I right to think that the parish council,should be asked for their views but are not in a position to give permission to fell the tree?

i've just recieved a copy of the tree inspection report. what do you make of this? Tree No Species Height (mtrs) Spread (mtrs) Age class 4 Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) 9 N -5 E – 5 S - 5 W -5 S/M Condition Recommendations Work priority Site – Located on a green space outside a pub. A footpath and road are 4m to the west and a neighbouring wall and garages are 5m to the east. 2 benches are also situated underneath the tree 1.5m from the main stem. Roots – No signs of damage or causes of damage. Stem – Divides into multiple stems at 1.5m. Included bark within most of these stems/unions. Wound with dead interior at union on west side of stem. Inner crown – Bad structural form, will become a problem in the future as tree grows. This tree will outgrow its location and will cause the parish council many future problems as well as being a hazard due to its structure. Outer crown – Minor deadwood within crown, leaf minor present on leaves that are still on the tree. - No action required - No action required - Fell and replant with a more suitable specimen. - No action required - No action required - No action required - 12 Months - No action required Inspection frequency – Every 12 months to check newly planted tree

Thanks for the constct names Philip - do you have a number or do I find it on the Breckland website.

Good for you Dan I'm in the same position as the neighbour, in that my place joins common land that has trees on. In fact my place has two whitebams, one lime, one field maple, one sycamore, one oak, one hawthorn and two horse chestnuts growing within twenty feet. None mature trees but all of a good size. ai love that and can't see a problem.

I like that idea Lorgod - perhaps I could find a bespectacled acdaemic type who could be a soil expert. He could advise the neoghbour on the risks associated with flling the tree (subsidence most likely, doesn't that not get covered by insurance?)

I'm near East Dereham not too far! I hope you're right Philip. Whats Hugh Coggles like? Is he based at Dereham? You don't happen to know what days he works do you?

I've told the girls that the expert advice from arbtalk is that they need to chain themselves naked to the tree. Then I need to take some pics and post them on here, that should sort it out

Hello Phillip, You've been through something similar then? My experience is that the parish council does have a tendancy to make decisions without an awreness of its legal obligations. I'm in Breckland - where are you?

Thanks Matty, Its in rude health mate. That pic is a few years old and doesn't do it justice really. I'm putting the word round to other interested villagers based on the advice I'm getting on here. We have some very useful 'doers' in our community that always seem to get stuff done. Wheels are in motion

You need to fill up your brown envelopes a bit more Eggs I thought the idea was ask for more than you want, then when you get knocked back you ask for what you really wanted in the first place and they say 'yay' because they're releived you've 'scaled down' your plans. So if you want to build three houses on a bit of land you go for five. Then you get your three

Yes, its a interesting idea Stubby, got me thinking

Thanks Matty I've emailed the tree officer just now - lets hope they get on the case. My biggest concern is that the tree is felled before due process can take place. I just hope that there only at the quoting stage.

Ah...now theres a thought. I have to say I don't believe so, but I may be wrong.

Thanks for your support Turtle I'm pretty confident that the tree will live - we have some of the girls threatening to chain themselves to it if the saws arrive I always think that politeness and restraint are the way forward - never much to be gained from emotive confrontation - glad you agree

You know what Stubby I was thinking exacltly that as I typed. I'll have a think about that because it does tend to make it all a 'personal' issue rather than a community one. Does seem the most sensible moce though.

The speed with which this has happened, and my previous experience of the parish council, would suggest to me that its a snap decision. They do tend to take a 'riding shotugun' type approach to issues that arise and they seem to do so without an awreness of their legal remit.